2013 Fantasy Hockey Sleeper: C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

By Adam McGill

Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

One fantasy hockey star that is currently still recovering from injury is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Edmonton Oilers. Nugent-Hopkins had shoulder surgery in the off-season and the superstar center likely won’t be back on the ice until November. However, the fact that Nugent-Hopkins just signed a seven-year contract extension worth $42 million shows fantasy owners that the injury isn’t too concerning and shouldn’t impact his draft status too much.

The former first overall selection amassed 24 points through 40 games in 2012. He scored four goals, but his true fantasy value came from the 20 helpers he added in his shortened sophomore season. RHN is one of the best young playmakers in hockey and will be back before on the ice before you know it.

Nugent-Hopkins will be featured on a line with LW Taylor Hall and RW Jordan Eberle, in what is perhaps one of the best young lines in all of hockey. The Nuge will be the leader of this line when he returns and should instantly become a strong everyday starter for fantasy owners.

The 20-year-old sensation is worth grabbing in the middle of the draft, if anything else, to stash away until he gets healthy. He is one of the top injured players worth waiting on this fantasy season and this kid has an extremely bright future ahead of him.